So according to the invariably accurate Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, upwards of 2,000,000 women participated in “women’s marches” across the nation and around the world on January 21st. That’s 2,000,000 women who spent hours making arrangements, crafting clever signs, dressing for the weather, traveling to their rallying points, marching till their feet hurt, saying their fond farewells and making their ways home.

Would it be fair to say that, on average, each woman invested 10 hours of time in the effort?

Let’s say it would be, and do the math: 2,000,000 women x 10 hours each = 20,000,000 woman-hours – the equivalent of 10,000 women working full time for a year.

Far be it from me to judge their motives. I’m sure most of the marchers thought they were doing something good for women today and for generations to come – protecting “choice,” advancing the cause of equal pay for equal work and possibly comparable worth, making paid parental leave a right for partners, and supporting any number of other “women’s issues” that they believe can impact our quality of life.

There’s just one problem: This tremendous show of unity will have exactly zero impact on our legislators, who were elected to office by voters who may not share the marchers’ views.

Sadly, all this time, energy and money was largely wasted, at least in terms of accomplishing anything.

May I make a suggestion? If you are among the 2,000,000 marchers, why not consider spending your time, energy and money on something that will actually help someone in need?

Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen to feed the hungry. Raise money for the Rescue Mission to house the homeless. Become a Big Sister to a girl who needs extra love and guidance. Teach someone to read. Or my favorite, share your love with the neglected elderly.

Just think how much good could be accomplished if 20,000,000 women-hours were to be invested on activities such as these!